Clustering and the performance of small-scale enterprises: an exploratory analysis of the Nigerian woodworking sector

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Periodical article

Title:	Clustering and the performance of small-scale enterprises: an exploratory analysis of the Nigerian woodworking sector
Authors:	Olaniyan, Olanrewaju Olayiwola, Wumi K. Alayande, Babatunde A.
Year:	1998
Periodical:	The Nigerian Journal of Economic and Social Studies
Volume:	40
Issue:	3
Pages:	453-466
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	small enterprises wood industry
Abstract:	Based on a survey of 417 small woodworking enterprises carried out in five states of Nigeria (Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Enugu and Kano) in 1997, the authors examine the differences in the performance of small-scale enterprises that operate in clusters and those that operate in isolation. The survey results indicate that in the woodworking industry in Nigeria, clustered firms perform better than those that operate outside clusters only in the furniture subsector. Clustering has not had any significant effect on the output performance of the sawmilling and plank selling subsectors. A substantial number of woodworking enterprises were found to exist in clusters. They engaged in subcontracting, were involved in technical relationships (sharing tools, labour and information), and formed professional and social networks. However, these clusters were not dynamic since the level of cooperation that existed within clusters could still be improved. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum.